Kara and Nate documented their exploration of Colorado in a detailed travel video, showcasing mountain towns, scenic drives, and local spots. This guide breaks down where they stayed, how they moved around, and the regions they highlighted during their trip.
Below is a quick reference table that summarizes key aspects of their Colorado journey, including primary locations, transportation, lodging style, and activity focus.
| Region | Base City or Town | Transport | Stay Type | Key Experiences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Metro | Denver | Rental Car | Apartment Airbnb | Urban food, museums, day trips |
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Estes Park | Personal Vehicle | Lodge & Hotel | Hiking, wildlife, high-elevation scenery |
| Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs | Rental Car | Boutique Hotel | Pikes Peak, gardens, parks |
| San Juan Mountains | Silverton & Telluride | Rental Car | Historic Inns & Cabin | Mountain passes, alpine lakes, mining history |
| Western Slope & Canyons | Grand Junction, Moab (edge) | Rental Car | Vacation Rental | Canyon views, river activities, red rock landscapes |
Colorado Mountain Towns Stayed In
Estes Park and Rocky Mountain Base
In this segment, Kara and Nate centered their Rockies exploration around Estes Park, using it as a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. They highlighted practical lodging choices, from cabins to midrange hotels, and shared tips on avoiding crowds at popular trailheads.
Silverton and the High Mountain Passes
Traveling west, they drove the impressive Million Dollar Highway between Silverton and Ouray, sleeping in Silverton and nearby towns. Episodes featured historic mining buildings, high alpine trails, and the challenges of narrow roads in late season conditions.
Road Trips and How They Got Around Colorado
Route Planning and Daily Driving
Kara and Nate primarily relied on a rental car for flexibility, logging long scenic stretches on highways like I-70 and US-550. They discussed parking strategies in mountain villages, fuel stops, and how to balance driving time with hiking or sightseeing each day.
Weather, Timing, and What to Pack
The video emphasized Colorado’s rapid weather changes, suggesting layered clothing, waterproof gear, and early starts for popular destinations. They outlined a simple packing checklist tailored to road tripping, from camera gear to snacks for long stretches between towns.
Where They Stayed and What They Liked
Airbnbs, Hotels, and Cozy Cabins
Accommodation variety was a theme, with Kara and Nate alternating between modern apartments, characterful hotels, and rustic cabins. Each option was framed by location benefits, such as walking distance to breweries or quick highway access for dawn photo shoots.
Budget Insights and Value Choices
While not detailed item by item, they compared splurge stays with more budget friendly finds, noting that booking ahead in peak season made a measurable difference in comfort and choice. Their commentary often tied lodging picks to the activities they planned nearby.
Regions and Highlights Across Colorado
From City Streets to Alpine Lakes
The itinerary traced a loose loop through metropolitan Denver, classic mountain towns, and dramatic canyon country. Kara and Nate underscored how each region offered distinct pacing, from urban coffee shops to silent high alpine ridges.
Canyon Country and Western Vistas
Western Slope segments showcased red rock formations, Colorado River views, and the broader high desert landscape. They mentioned standout viewpoints and small local stops that gave the trip variety beyond the well known mountain core.
Colorado Planning Takeaways
- Use a rental car for maximum flexibility on mountain highways
- Book lodging early in Estes Park and popular trail towns during peak season
- Start major hikes and scenic drives early to avoid crowds and afternoon storms
- Pack layers, rain protection, and sun gear for rapidly shifting conditions
- Balance well known parks with nearby towns for a mix of scenery and amenities
- Check road and weather updates before tackling high passes in late spring or early fall
FAQ
Reader questions
Which Colorado towns did Kara and Nate stay in most nights?
They spent the most nights in Estes Park, Colorado Springs, Silverton, and a few nights in western slope towns near Grand Junction, with occasional stays in Denver between road segments.
Did they use a rental car or drive their own car in Colorado?
They used a rental car for the majority of the trip to avoid extra mileage fees and to have flexible scheduling for early morning starts and spontaneous detours.
What made the road between Silverton and Ouray stand out in their Colorado journey?
The stretch via the Million Dollar Highway stood out for its hairpin turns, breathtaking valley views, and the feeling of driving through historic mining districts high in the mountains.
How did they decide which hikes and spots to feature in Colorado?
They balanced iconic landmarks with lesser known trailheads and local favorites, often choosing spots that matched the time of day, weather, and energy levels shown on camera.